Waenhuiskrans Cave
HMS Arniston shipwreck
Fishing Boats-Arniston Harbour
Willeens Restaurant
Khoisan Fishtraps

Information

Arniston is a small coastal village located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known for its picturesque scenery, pristine beaches, and historical significance. Here’s some general information about it:

Location:

  • Arniston is situated in the Overberg region, about 210 kilometers southeast of Cape Town.
  • It is part of the municipality of Cape Agulhas and lies near the town of Bredasdorp.

Attractions & Features:

  1. Beaches: The village is famous for its stunning beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. The beaches are also less crowded, making them perfect for a peaceful getaway.

  2. Waenhuiskrans Cave: One of the area’s most famous attractions, the Waenhuiskrans Cave is a large sea cave that can be accessed at low tide. It’s a unique natural feature with an interesting history tied to early sailors.

  3. Fishing & Marine Life: The area is known for its fishing, particularly crayfish (rock lobster) and snoek (a local fish). The waters around Arniston are also rich in marine life, making it popular for diving and other water activities.

  4. Historical Village: Arniston’s quaint village features whitewashed cottages with thatched roofs, giving it a traditional, rustic charm. The original fishing village still maintains a strong community with a rich history in maritime activities.

  5. Arniston (formerly Kassiesbaai): The area is also home to a historic fishing village called Kassiesbaai, where traditional fisher folk live in simple, white-washed cottages. It’s a great place to learn about the local culture and lifestyle.

  6. Cape Agulhas National Park: L’Agulhas is 40km from Arniston and includes the southernmost point of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. This area is known for its biodiversity, birdwatching opportunities, and hiking trails.

  7. Visit the Arniston Shipwreck Memorial: Near the village, you’ll find a memorial commemorating the wreck of the Arniston ship, which sank in 1815. The site tells an interesting story of maritime history.
  8. Try Local Seafood: The area is known for its fresh seafood. Consider dining at one of the local restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious dishes like freshly caught fish, crayfish, and calamari.

Activities:

  • Hiking: There are several trails in and around Arniston, offering scenic views of the coastline and nature.
  • Kayaking & Canoeing: The calm waters of the surrounding bays are perfect for water sports like kayaking.
  • Whale Watching: During the whale season (roughly from June to November), this area is known for sightings of southern right whales.

Accommodation:

  • Arniston offers a variety of accommodations, from charming guesthouses and self-catering cottages to the more upscale Arniston Spa Hotel.
 

What You’ll See

The Arniston, was a British East India ship that wrecked near Waenhuiskrans (now Arniston, Western Cape) in 1815. A hurricane enveloped the ship, forcing it’s Captain to head for land, however, the vessel then struck a reef and began to break apart. There were 378 passengers and crew on board, and only a few survived.

Still regarded as one of South Africa’s most tragic shipwrecks, the community changed its name in honour of the Arniston wreck and to remember all those who died that fateful night.

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